The USA have reached the final of the Women's World Cup in Montreal after overcoming their German counterparts 2-0.

Both goals came in the second half after Germany blew the opportunity to draw first blood from the penalty spot.

The Germans were the first to threaten, winning a corner in the second minute which Melanie Leupolz met with a powerful header that sailed narrowly over.

The USA were unlucky not to take the lead five minutes later as Julie Johnston met Megan Rapinoe's corner with a bullet header, forcing a reaction save from Nadine Angerer in the German goal.

Alex Morgan squandered a golden opportunity for the Americans in the 14th minute after latching on to a through-ball from Tobin Heath, only to be foiled by Angerer in a one-on-one situation.

Morgan blew another chance to fire her side in front just before half time when she beat her marker inside the box and curled a shot inches wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The second half was a tale of two penalty kicks, and the first went the way of the Germans after Alexandra Popp was brought down in the box by Johnston on the hour mark.

Celia Sasic stepped up to take the penalty, but failed to add to the six goals she has already netted in Montreal as she fired wide.

The US had the chance to edge their noses in front from 12 yards seven minutes later when Morgan went down in the box, Carli Lloyd stepping up and succeeding where Sasic failed by sending Angerer the wrong way.

A first-ever international goal for Kelley O'Hara killed the game off six minutes from time, the substitute turning in Lloyd's cross to double the USA's lead and break German hearts.

The USA, who will feature in the final for the fourth time, will play the winner of the semi-final between England and Japan.